Directing Safety is Not
Enough

Safety procedures, safety
talks, signs and other instructions direct workers. But attempting to identify all behaviors
needed to keep employees safe fail in the midst of a changing work environment
of aging equipment, cost-cutting, and changes in processes and people. We also get complacent around these
practices. However, when peers are
observing and giving feedback they are constantly looking for new hazards and
at-risk behaviors, even those not listed in policy manuals, and having
conversations about threats to safety. Yes,
direct the behavior you want to see; this is necessary but far from sufficient.